The first-year male Common Eider found in early October on the 4th
(northernmost) island of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel was still present
this
morning, off the jetty's tip of that island. Northern Gannets and many Black
and
Surf Scoters were also present. On Fisherman Island, about 75 Brant were on
the
northeast side of the island. Last January, I photographed a Brant at the
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel that looked very much like the as-yet-undescribed
form called "Gray-bellied Brant". I've sent the photographs around to people
who know this form, and so far, all have agreed that the bird looks like a
Gray-bellied Brant (though the possibility of some sort of hybrid is difficult
to
rule out). While looking at Brant on the Eastern Shore, birders should look
for Dark-bellied, Black, and possible Gray-bellied Brant and try to get
photographs when possible.
The wind is already in the northwest, and tomorrow should be a great day to
bird the Eastern Shore, especially at the southern tip.
Ned Brinkley
Cape Charles, VA
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